Meet Chewy, a three-month-old miniature Chihuahua who was left inside a Las Vegas airport bathroom over the weekend.
Also left behind was a handwritten note that reads: "My owner was in an abusive relationship and couldn't afford to get me on the flight. She didn't want to leave me with all her heart but she has no other option."
Someone found Chewy and he ended up in the hands of a local dog rescue.
Darlene Blair with Connor & Millie Rescue says Chewy is doing much better now. "This one really got to me... you could tell by the way the note was written that the woman was in dire stress and she didn't want to give him up and she couldn't take him with her."
The situation highlights the unintended consequences of domestic violence.
Lori Nelson works with Noah's Animal House, a safe place that keeps sheltered women and children near their pets. "The animal is equally a member the family as anyone else and it's vital that when you're leaving a domestic violence situation that your pet can come with you."
"I know it's hard when you're in that situation to trust someone but there are good people out there -- and if you're in that situation and you need help to take your dog with you try not to be too afraid to ask for help," Blair said.
Airport officials want to remind pet owners that the airport is no place to leave an animal since you don't know when or who might pick it up.
